Abstract: Nitric oxide-specific electrodes are useful for in situ detection of nitric oxide in biomedical applications and have at least a surface region thereof which is capable of forming complexes with nitric oxide, for example, nitrosyl complexes. The nitric oxide complexes formed at the surface of the electrodes apparently increase the concentration of nitric oxide available for detection, thereby leading to significantly improved relative responses as compared to other known nitric oxide electrode materials. Most preferably, the electrode has at least an exterior surface region which contains ruthenium and/or at least one oxide of ruthenium. The electrodes are advantageously conditioned in saline solution at +675 mV for about two hours.

Abstract: Nitric oxide-specific electrodes are useful for in situ detection of nitric oxide in biomedical applications and have at least a surface region capable of forming complexes with nitric oxide. The nitric oxide complexes formed at the surface of the electrodes apparently increase the concentration of nitric oxide available for detection, leading to significantly improved relative responses as compared to other known nitric oxide electrode materials. The electrode has at least an exterior surface region which contains ruthenium and/or at least one oxide of ruthenium. The electrodes are pre-conditioned at a potential, or potentials, different than the working potential of the electrode, followed by further conditioning at the working potential. Direct response to nitric oxide has been observed for ruthenium electrodes at or below potentials about +675 mV vs. Ag/AgCl, while ruthenium electrodes paradoxical response to nitric oxide has been observed at potentials above +675 mV vs. Ag/Cl.

Abstract: The present invention provides a porous electrode used for a conductive material-filled polymer composite. At least one surface of the porous electrode is an open porous structure, which includes a plurality of macropores and micropores randomly distributed and interconnected with each other. The conductive material-filled polymer composite includes a polymer substrate and conductive particles filled therein. When the surface of the open porous structure of the porous electrode is bonded with the conductive material-filled polymer composite, the conductive particles in the conductive material-filled polymer composite can be trapped in the macropores of the porous structure, and the polymer substrate in the conductive material-filled polymer composite can be immersed into the micropores of the porous structure. This enables a better direct contact between the conductive particles and the porous electrode.

Abstract: A solid state gas sensor generates an electrical potential between an equilibrium electrode and a second electrode indicative of a gas to be sensed. A solid electrolyte substrate has the second electrode mounted on a first portion of the electrolyte substrate and a composite equilibrium electrode including conterminous transition metal oxide and Pt components mounted on a second portion of the electrolyte substrate. The composite equilibrium electrode and the second electrode are electrically connected to generate an electrical potential indicative of the gas that is being sensed. In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the second electrode is a reference electrode that is exposed to a reference oxygen gas mixture so that the electrical potential is indicative of the oxygen in a gas stream.

Abstract: A nitrogen oxide gas sensor wherein an alloy electrode of platinum and rhodium or a cermet electrode of platinum, rhodium, and zirconia or of a rhodium alloy and zirconia is used as the gas sensing electrode. The electrode of the sensor is suitable for measuring nitrogen oxide such as NO and NO2 in an exhaust gas.

Abstract: Disclosed are ionomers comprising functionalized polyolefins having fluoroalkyl sulfonate pendant groups and ionically conductive compositions formed therefrom by the addition of solvents.

Abstract: An electrolyzer 1 for electrolyzing water existing between electrode plates 4, 5 disposed at a prescribed interval by imposing a voltage between the electrode plates is arranged such that at least the electrode plate 5 acting as an anode comprises a ferrite electrode including at least one hole 15 is formed therein, the interval between the hole and an extreme or terminal end of an electrode terminal 9 inserted into the hole 15 is filled with a conductive metal coupling member 16 that becomes deformed when the electrode terminal 9 is inserted in the hole so that the ferrite electrode 5 is made conductive to and arranged integrally with the electrode terminal 9.

Abstract: Hybrid membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) are presented, having an anode comprising a dense distribution of catalyst that may be borne on small, high-aspect ratio supports, such as nanostructured elements, and a cathode comprising a less dense distribution of catalyst that may be borne on lower-aspect ratio supports, such as carbon particle supported catalyst.

Abstract: A self-contained, portable device for decomposing ions present in a liquid includes a housing shaped to be held within a human hand; a source of electric current; an anode that is comprised of an inert material, attached to the housing and in electrical communication with the source of electric current; a cathode that is comprised of an inert material, attached to the housing and in electrical communication with the source of electric current; and a switch for electrically connecting the anode, the cathode and the source of electric current.

Abstract: The direct electrochemical oxidation of hydrocarbons in solid oxide fuel cells, to generate greater power densities at lower temperatures without carbon deposition. The performance obtained is comparable to that of fuel cells used for hydrogen, and is achieved by using novel anode composites at low operating temperatures.

Abstract: It is described a novel type of electrode suitable for use as an anode for oxygen evolution from electrolytes containing sulphuric acid, or sulphates, in the presence of manganese, in electrometallurgical processes for the production of zinc, copper, nickel and cobalt and galvanic processes for the deposition of chromium, nickel and noble metals. The anode of the invention comprises a titanium substrate provided with an electrocatalytic coating for oxygen evolution made of iridium and bismuth oxides. In an alternative embodiment of the invention the coating comprises doping agents selected from the groups IV A, V A and V B, particularly tin and/or antimony.

Abstract: A process for preparing a solid composite electrolyte comprising at least one compound of the BIMEVOX family is provided. The process comprises at least one step of preparing a mixture of one or more compounds of the BIMEVOX family with one or more chemically inert compounds, at least one step of compacting the mixture obtained, and at least one sintering step during which the temperature reached, over a nonzero time interval, has a value greater than the optimum sintering temperature for the compound of the BIMEVOX family.

Abstract: Magnetic composites exhibit distinct flux properties due to gradient interfaces. The composites can be used to improve fuel cells and batteries and effect transport and separation of different chemical species. Devices utilizing the composites include an electrode and improved fuel cells and batteries. Some composites, disposed on the surface of electrodes, prevent passivation of those electrodes and enable direct reformation of liquid fuels. Methods involving these composites provide distinct ways for these composites to be utilized.

Abstract: A sulfur dioxide gas sensor having a high selectivity of SO2 gas, and an operability at a high temperature which comprises: a solid electrolyte having oxygen ion conductivity; a detecting electrode for measuring sulfur dioxide gas, electrically connected to at least a part of a surface of the solid electrolyte and containing glass and either gold or a gold alloy; and a basic electrode for measuring sulfur dioxide gas, electrically connected to at least a part of a surface of the solid electrolyte and containing Pt.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electroactivated material comprising fibers and a binder and additionally having an electrocatalytic agent in the form of particles comprising a precious metal oxide or in the form of particles comprising a support and a coating based on such an oxide. The electroactivated material can be used especially as cathode component of an electrolysis cell and in particular of a cell for the electrolysis of aqueous sodium chloride solutions. The present invention also relates to a composite material comprising the said material and to processes for the preparation of each of the two materials.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell and electrolytic process for producing a metal by reduction of a metal oxide dissolved in a molten salt bath containing at least one chloride and at least one fluoride. A solid conductor of oxide ions is interposed between the anode and the cathode. The solid conductor preferably comprises zirconia, stabilized in cubic form by addition of a divalent or trivalent metal oxide such as yttria.

Abstract: In a dispersoid-reinforced electrode with a net-like open pore structure and a ceramic and a metallic meshwork, ceramic particles with an average particle diameter of less than 100 nm are homogeneously distributed in the metallic network thereby reinforcing the electrode.

Abstract: Sensor for measuring the concentration of oxidizable constituents in a gas mixture, in particular for measuring one or more NOx, CO, H2 gases, and preferably unsaturated hydrocarbons, by measuring the voltage between a measuring electrode a reference electrode or by measuring the voltage between two measuring electrodes. A porous solid electrolyte makes it possible to dispense with a reference gas atmosphere, thus providing greater miniaturization and simplifying the design. The selectivity toward individual measuring gas constituents can be improved by selecting the measuring electrode materials, in particular by using semiconductors.

Abstract: Conductive ceramics are useful in the construction of electrochemical electrodes that are used in a wide variety of applications because of their inherent chemical resistance. When porous forms of these ceramics are employed as electrodes in even dilute corrosive solutions, corrosive ionic species are caused to diffuse from the solutions into the porous electrode and to concentrate in the vicinity of the electrical connection by means of electromigration. The resulting corrosive degradation of the electrode and the electrical connection ultimately causes electrical failure. The present invention uses polymers to impregnate and selectively coat the ceramic so as to create a barrier seal against the migration of corrosives into the electrode while allowing the ceramic electrode to maintain electrical contact with its environment. Methods for achieving such impregnation are disclosed.

Abstract: Metal nitride, carbonitride, and oxycarbonitride powder with high surface area (up to 150 m2/g) is prepared by using sol-gel process. The metal organic precursor, alkoxides or amides, is synthesized firstly. The metal organic precursor is modified by using unhydrolyzable organic ligands or templates. A wet gel is formed then by hydrolysis and condensation process. The solvent in the wet gel is then be removed supercritically to form porous amorphous hydroxide. This porous hydroxide materials is sintered to 725° C. under the ammonia flow and porous nitride powder is formed. The other way to obtain high surface area nitride, carbonitride, and oxycarbonitride powder is to pyrolyze polymerized templated metal amides aerogel in an inert atmosphere. The electrochemical capacitors are prepared by using sol-gel prepared nitride, carbonitride, and oxycarbonitride powder. Two methods are used to assemble the capacitors.

Abstract: An inert anode for production of metals such as aluminum is disclosed. The inert anode comprises a base metal selected from Cu and Ag, and at least one noble metal selected from Ag, Pd, Pt, Au, Rh, Ru, Ir and Os. The inert anode may optionally be formed of sintered particles having interior portions containing more base metal than noble metal and exterior portions containing more noble metal than base metal. In a preferred embodiment, the base metal comprises Cu, and the noble metal comprises Ag, Pd or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel rhodium sulfide catalyst for the reduction of oxygen in industrial electrolyzers. The catalyst is highly resistant towards corrosion and poisoning by organic species, thus resulting particularly suitable for use in aqueous hydrochloric acid electrolysis, when technical grade acid containing organic contaminants is employed.

Abstract: The present invention includes uranium-bearing ceramic phase electrodes and electrolysis apparatus and electrolysis methods featuring same, including methods of metal production and the like by the electrolytic reduction of oxides or salts of the respective metals. More particularly, the invention relates to an inert type electrode composition, and methods for fabricating electrode compositions, useful in the electrolytic production of such metals. The present invention also includes an inert-type electrode composition, and methods for fabricating electrode compositions, used in processes for generating energy from fossil fuels.

Abstract: Process for separating oxygen from a gas mixture containing it employs a solid-electrolyte electrochemical cell, where the cell includes a homogeneous structure of one or more BIMEVOX derivatives, with dynamic electrodes created "in situ" that are reversible and self-adaptive, and at least two current collectors.

Abstract: A cermet composite material is made by treating at an elevated temperature a mixture comprising a compound of iron and a compound of at least one other metal, together with an alloy or mixture of copper and a noble metal. The alloy or mixture preferably comprises particles having an interior portion containing more copper than noble metal and an exterior portion containing more noble metal than copper. The noble metal is preferably silver. The cermet composite material preferably includes alloy phase portions and a ceramic phase portion. At least part of the ceramic phase portion preferably has a spinel structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a styrene-maleic acid polyethyleneoxy ester copolymer from compositions comprising a styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer, polyethyleneglycol and polyethyleneglycol monoalkyl ether (in a weight ratio of from 0 to 100% relative to the polythyleneglycol), the copolymer produced therefrom, an ion-conducting thin membrane composition produced with an electrolytic salt, an ion-conducting thin membrane containing the copolymer and a process for producing the same, a solid electrochemical material containing the copolymer. The copolymer according the present invention has a high solubility in organic solvent, a good rubber elasticity. The ion-conducting thin membrane comprising this copolymer and an electrolytic salt as major components has an excellent mechanical property, a high adhesive strength and a high ion conductivity at room temperature.

Abstract: A non-carbon, metal-based high temperature resistant anode of a cell for the production of aluminium has a metal-based substrate coated with one or more electrically conductive adherent applied layers, at least one electrically conductive layer being electrochemically active. The electrochemically active layer contains one or more electrocatalysts fostering the oxidation of oxygen ions as well as fostering the formation of biatomic molecular gaseous oxygen to inhibit ionic and/or monoatomic oxygen attack of the metal-based substrate. The electrocatalyst can be iridium, palladium, platinum, rhodium, ruthenium, silicon, tin, zinc, Mischmetal oxides and metals of the Lanthanide series. The applied layer may further comprise electrochemically active constituents from oxides, oxyfluorides, phosphides, carbides, in particular spinels such as ferrites.

Abstract: A new electrocatalytic coating to be applied onto a titanium matrix, suitable for oxygen evolution from acid electrolytes containing manganese and fluorides, comprising:a) an external coating for oxygen evolution at controlled potential, immune to manganese electrochemical precipitation and capable of promoting the spontaneous removal of the same during operation, consisting of ruthenium and iridium as the major components (60-85%), tin and cobalt (2-10%) and titanium and tantalum at intermediate concentrations with respect to the previous groups of components.b) an optional interlayer acting as an electroconductive system and protecting the titanium matrix against corrosion caused by fluorides, made of titanium and tantalum as the major components (<95%) and iridium (>5%) as the minor component.At least part of the above elements are in the form of oxides.

Abstract: This invention covers a cathodic element free from asbestos fibres that can be obtained by deposition after filtration through a porous medium of an aqueous suspension comprising electrically conductive fibres, at least one cationic polymer, at least one electocatalytic agent, at least one pore-forming agent and at least one binder selected from among the fluoropolymers. The invention also covers a method for preparing such a cathodic element.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrode material for potentiometric or amperometric electrochemical sensors with the chemical composition Ln.sub.1-2 A.sub.1-x B.sub.x O.sub.3, where Ln is at least a lanthanide cation or a mixture of rare earth cations, A is at least a trivalent transitional material, and B is at least a trivalent or bivalent redox-stable cation.

Abstract: A high performance electrochemical cell is useful for recovery of metal from aqueous solutions. The electrochemical cell has a cathode assembly that includes a nonporous support member, a primary cathode, and a nonconductive or conductive porous material covering the primary cathode. An anode is spaced apart from the cathode assembly. Fluid is caused to flow through the porous material to the primary cathode, through openings or fluid collection channels in the nonporous support member, and uniformly out of the cell. Uniform and efficient deposition of metal is accomplished over the entire primary cathode because of modulation of fluid flow and increased mass transfer.

Abstract: A zinc alloy anode-based electrochemical cell, which generates gases and/or energy, is disclosed. The structure of the cell is such that a zinc alloy anode material is the integral part of housing and is in contact with an alkaline electrolyte containing minor amounts of corrosion inhibitors. The electrolyte which contains no zinc powder metal, may be in direct contact with the cathode thereby simplifying cell construction by elimination of a separator material. The cell is environmentally friendly, containing no mercury or cadmium or other toxic metals and is cost effective as it eliminates expensive amalgamated zinc powder and separator material.

Abstract: Aluminum is produced by electrolytic reduction of alumina in a cell having a cathode, an inert anode and a molten salt bath containing metal fluorides and alumina. The inert anode preferably contains copper, silver and oxides of iron and nickel. Reducing the molten salt bath temperature to about 900-950.degree. C. lowers corrosion on the inert anode constituents.

Abstract: This invention concerns substantially fluorinated, but not perfluorinated, ionomers consisting of a polyethylene backbone having pendant groups of fluoroalkoxy sulfonic acids and metal salts thereof. Such ionomers are useful for electrochemical applications.

Abstract: A sensor for determining the concentration of oxidizable constituents in a gas mixture includes a substrate which is planar and electrically insulating; a reference electrode which is positioned on a surface of the substrate and which catalyzes equilibrium adjustment of the gas mixture; a solid electrolyte which is ion-conducting and which is provided on at least the reference electrode; and at least one measuring electrode which is positioned on the ion-conducting solid electrolyte, which is one of not capable of catalyzing equilibrium adjustment of the gas mixture or is capable of catalyzing equilibrium adjustment of the gas mixture only to a small degree, which includes at least 50% of at least one of rutile and zirconium dioxide, and which is doped with acceptors and donors in which the acceptor contains at least one transition element, rare earth element, and mixtures thereof, and in which the donor is at least one of tantalum and niobium.

Abstract: Two types of HgO-modified electrodes are disclosed. The HgO-modified electrode according to the present invention comprises, HgO particles as precursor of mercury, which can be exposed on the surface of the said electrode and then can be reduced electrochemically into micro-droplets of mercury; and electro-conductive material to maintain optimal conductivity of the said modified electrode. In the HgO-modified electrode according to the present invention, built-in mercury precursor, HgO can be utilized feasibly for the generation of the surface mercury droplets by in situ electrochemical treatment or pretreatment without necessity of Hg.sup.2+ solution. The electrode surface can be renewed easily either by a simple polishing process for the bulk-modified electrode type-I or by simple exchange for the screen-printed disposable type modified electrode type-II. So further simplification of anodic stripping analysis process is possible by employing the HgO-modified electrodes according to the present invention.

Abstract: A method of improving certain vanadium oxide formulations is presented. The method concerns fluorine doping formulations having a nominal formula of LiV.sub.3 O.sub.8. Preferred average formulations are provided wherein the average oxidation state of the vanadium is at least 4.6. Herein preferred fluorine doped vanadium oxide materials, electrodes using such materials, and batteries including at least one electrode therein comprising such materials are provided.

Abstract: A device for specific formation of nuclei or crystals on the surface of a dielectric in contact with a solution, especially on the functional groups of a polymer, in which there is a device for generating an electric field in the dielectric.

Abstract: Non self-passivating cathodic protection anode materials such as graphite and high silicon iron are treated to improve corrosion resistance. Anodically stable oxide coatings such as cobalt oxide (cobalt spinnel) or precious metal oxides are received on the underlying anode substrate. The rate of consumption of the anode material during the operation of the cathodic protection system is dramatically reduced.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide composite ceramic powder containing composite ceramic particulates as constituent particulates. Each of the composite ceramic particulates is constituted of a group of first particles and a group of second particles in which the first particles are localized around the second particles. A spray pyrolysis is used to localize the first particles around the second particles, thereby producing such composite ceramic particulates.

Abstract: Nitric oxide-specific electrodes are useful for in situ detection of nitric oxide in biomedical applications and have at least a surface region thereof which is capable of forming complexes with nitric oxide, for example, nitrosyl complexes. The nitric oxide complexes formed at the surface of the electrodes apparently increase the concentration of nitric oxide available for detection, thereby leading to significantly improved relative responses as compared to other known nitric oxide electrode materials. Most preferably, the electrode has at least an exterior surface region which contains ruthenium and/or at least one oxide of ruthenium. The electrodes are advantageously conditioned in saline solution at +675 mV for about two hours.

Abstract: Oxygen sensor for measuring resistance as a function of oxygen partial pressure, made of alkaline-earth-doped perovskitic lanthanum ferrites with the general formulaLa.sub.1-x Me.sub.x FeO.sub.3-.delta.where Me is one of alkaline earth metals, Mg, Ca, Sr, and Ba, x is a degree of doping of the lanthanum ferrites. The oxygen sensor oxygen deficit of anion is 6=0 to 0.25, and the degree of doping of the lanthanum ferrites is x=0.1 to 0.3 and is selected to provide a temperature independent resistance property to the oxygen sensor in a lean range.

Abstract: The present invention is an oxygen generator including a stabilized bismuth oxide body and a plurality of first and second channels. The first channels receive a first gas containing some oxygen and the second channels are sealed at the input and outlet openings and extend generally in parallel to the first channels. Electrodes are disposed on the channel walls of the first and second channels, the electrode composition includes LXM, wherein L is lanthanum, M is manganate, and X is strontium, calcium, lead or barium. The oxygen generator may further include silver disposed over the LXM which thereby decreases the resistivity of the electrodes without the electromigration of the silver. The silver may be mixed with glass to thereby provide improved adherence of the silver to the LXM. A method of making an oxygen generator includes forming a stabilized bismuth oxide body having channels extending therethrough and forming LXM electrodes in the channels.

Abstract: An elongate electrode, usually an anode, is provided, suitable for use in an impressed current corrosion protection system. The electrode comprises a central elongate core, usually a metal such as copper, an optional conductive polymeric composition surrounding the metal core and having a higher electrical resistivity than the core, but being in electrical contact with the core, a flexible jacket, for example, a fabric braid containing within it particulate coke, and tensioning wraps positioned around the flexible jacket. The purpose of the tensioning wraps is to compact the coke particles relative to their compaction in the absence of the tensioning wraps.

Abstract: An air electrode composition for a solid oxide fuel cell is disclosed. The air electrode material is based on lanthanum manganite having a perovskite-like crystal structure ABO.sub.3. The A-site of the air electrode composition comprises a mixed lanthanide in combination with rare earth and alkaline earth dopants. The B-site of the composition comprises Mn in combination with dopants such as Mg, Al, Cr and Ni. The mixed lanthanide comprises La, Ce, Pr and, optionally, Nd. The rare earth A-site dopants preferably comprise La, Nd or a combination thereof, while the alkaline earth A-site dopant preferably comprises Ca. The use of a mixed lanthanide substantially reduces raw material costs in comparison with compositions made from high purity lanthanum starting materials. The amount of the A-site and B-site dopants is controlled in order to provide an air electrode composition having a coefficient of thermal expansion which closely matches that of the other components of the solid oxide fuel cell.

Abstract: Electrode including a paste containing particles of electrochemically active material and a conductive support consisting of a three-dimensional porous material comprising strands delimiting contiguous pores communicating via passages, characterized in that the average width L in .mu.m of said passages is related to the average diameter .O slashed. in .mu.m of said particles by the following equation, in which W and Y are dimensionless coefficients:(W.times..O slashed.)+X.gtoreq.L.gtoreq.(Y.times..O slashed.)+ZwhereinW=0.16Y=1.69X=202.4 .mu.m andZ=80 .mu.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards a CO-tolerant fuel cell electrode formed from a carbon supported, platinum dispersed, non-stoichiometric hydrogen tungsten bronze electrode catalyst. The electrode catalyst is capable of oxidizing CO at very low potentials, and is sequentially formed from stable precursors.

Abstract: A novel crystalline titanium silicate designated ETS-14 molecular sieve is disclosed and characterized. ETS-14 may be prepared by heating ETS-10 molecular sieve in the form of an aqueous gel or incorporating crystals of ETS-10 with an aqueous source of sodium that is essentially free from potassium.

Abstract: An electrolysis cell for the efficient production of hydrogen and oxygen is described which comprises a substantially closed housing defining therewithin anode and cathode chambers and having first and second inlets and outlets for flowing electrolyte through the anode and cathode chambers; an ion exchange membrane within the housing separating the anode chamber from the cathode chamber; first and second electrically conductive sheet members disposed within the respective anode and cathode chambers adjacent the membrane and substantially coextensive therewith; discrete electrically conducting ultramicroelectrode particles, preferably in the 5 to 10 micron size range, disposed within the anode and cathode chambers and defining the anode and cathode of the cell; and a source of DC electrical current operatively connected to the first and second sheet members.

Abstract: Provided by the present invention is a new anode material comprised of a carbon obtained by pyrolyzing a polymer of a conjugated vinyl monomer. The carbon is suitable for a lithium intercalated anode as it offers potential advantages of high capacity. The economics of manufacturing such anodes are also beneficial.